Church votes to ordain women as bishops

A Bill to enable women to be consecrated as bishops was passed by members of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales meeting at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Lampeter today.

The Bill was amended, following a lengthy and passionate debate, to become a one-stage vote to enable the consecration of women as bishops, with a “code of practice” to be written by the Bishops for those who in conscience could not accept the authority of women bishops. The amendment had been tabled by the Archdeacon of Llandaff, Peggy Jackson, and Revd Canon Jenny Wigley.

The Bill was proposed by the Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, and seconded by the Bishop of Bangor, Andy John.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan said, “This is an historic day for the Church in Wales. I am absolutely delighted. I am amazed that it was carried through with an overwhelming majority.
However, I am aware that there will be some people who will be disappointed and as Bishops we will now make sure that we pay particular attention to draw up pastoral provision for them.”

Addressing members, he said, “Thank you for the way in which the debate has been conducted and I hope you will trust us as Bishops to prepare a code of practice.”

Archdeacon Peggy said, “I am relieved and hugely thankful that the Church in Wales has cleared the way for a woman to be elected as a bishop when the time is right.
Now we have to turn our attention to those who are hurting today and do everything that we can so that they can feel secure and stay in the Curch in which the belong.”